Because of the huge area it covers, Mongolia has a diversity of land types and of scenery – from the high open upland steppes, to desert regions in the south, and the cold high glaciated mountain ranges in the west to the densely forested north. This diversity of land leads to a diversity of people and different ways of living and of life. This guidebook to Mongolia will hopefully help deal with expectations, give you an overview of the country and the diversity and variety of locations and experiences available. With this in mind, the photographs used throughout the book were all taken by guests of Eternal Landscapes Mongolia as we felt this helped to provide a more real overview. As journeys in Mongolia traditionally go in a clockwise direction, so do the location chapters throughout our guide. And, in between those, are chapters on the culture and everyday living aspects of the country.

With Mongolia, the rewards for those who make the effort to visit are, like its land, immense. Just leave behind your expectations based on what you’ve read and watched. Instead, come with an open mind and be delighted, challenged and surprised. 21st Century Mongolia will be so much more than you expect it to be.